3 Reasons to Buy a Manual Chain Hoist over an Electric Chain Hoist

Chain hoists are simple devices that provide a massive mechanical advantage. By leveraging a small force over a long distance and transforming it into a large force over a short distance, chain hoists can accomplish heavy lifts and pulls that would otherwise be impossible for a person to accomplish alone. Chain hoists can be either electric or manual, and both options have their advantages and disadvantages. In this post, we will focus on manual chain hoists.

Manual Chain Hoist Advantages

While manual chain hoists won’t lift quite as fast and effortlessly as electric hoists, there are many advantages to owning a manual chain hoist.

1. Manual chain hoists don’t require any electricity or power source. This makes them much more portable compared to electric hoists.
   
   
2. Manual hoists are more cost-efficient compared to electric or hydraulic hoists. Not only do electric hoists cost more initially, but they also raise electricity bills.
   
   
3. The simple design of manual hoists makes them easier to repair and maintain. There are no complex motors, wires, or electrical/hydraulic systems.

Although electric chain hoists lift heavier loads, manual hoists can still have working load limits (WLL) up to 20 tons. As long as the load weight is less than that, there's no reason not to opt for a manual hoist. There are two main styles of manual chain hoists to choose from: hand hoists and lever hoists.

Hand Chain Hoists

Hand hoists are simple and easy to operate and maintain.

These hoists require the use of both your hands to operate. As you pull one chain, a wheel turns a series of cogs, axles, gears, and sprockets, and in turn rotates the second load chain to lift or pull your load. The lifting mechanism does most of the work for you. To ensure your safety and the safety of the load, many chain hoists have a braking system that prevents the load from slipping back. Unlike lever hoists, hand hoists are ideal for high vertical loads. You can continue to operate the pulling chain from the ground even when the hoist is positioned up high.

US Cargo Control sells Atlas Rigging & Lifting, Columbus McKinnon, and Coffing hand hoists.

Lever Chain Hoists

Lever hoists are also quite easy to operate and maintain. To operate them, crank a side lever attached directly to the lifting mechanism. Unlike hand hoists, lever hoists can be operated using just one hand. This makes them ideal for horizontal, angled, and low vertical loads. Because the lever handle is located up next to the lifting mechanism, you must be close to the point of hook-up to operate.

US Cargo Control sells quality Atlas Rigging & Lifting, Columbus McKinnon (CM), and Coffing lever hoists.

Manual Hoists: Simple, Strong, and Smart

When it comes to reliability, simplicity, and portability, manual chain hoists prove their value across various job sites. They don’t require power, are easy to maintain, and offer serious lifting capabilities without the added complexity or cost of electric systems.

With our expanded lineup, you have more options than ever to find the right manual chain hoist for your exact needs, from light-duty lifts to the toughest industrial applications.

Whether you're looking for affordability, everyday durability, or extreme-environment performance, there’s a manual hoist built for your lift.

Contact our product experts by calling (866) 444-9990 or emailing customerservice@uscargocontrol.com with any questions you may have.